New Brunswick RV Resort a “First of Its Kind’

The red pin shows the approximate location of Notre Dame, New Brunswick, where a proposed 320-site RV park along the Cacagne River is proposed. Map courtesy of Google.

Opinion is split over a proposed private campground for recreational vehicles along the Cocagne River in New Brunswick, which would be the first of its kind in the Canadian Maritime provinces.

Condo Camping Ltd. would see land along the river turned into a 320-site RV campground, CBC News reported.

It plans to sell parcels of land that will be connected by roadways and common areas and then charge monthly fees.

A number of environmental impact assessments have yet to be completed, but developers say no work will begin without proper testing.

Many residents in the nearby city of Notre Dame want more answers about potential environmental impacts on the area if the multi-million-dollar campground goes ahead, and many are concerned the development will affect their wells.

Manon Cormier lives across the road from the proposed development and draws water from a well by her house.

Cormier said she hasn’t been given enough reassurance that her well won’t be affected by the campground and started a petition against the project.

“If you don’t have water, what’s your house worth?” Cormier asked.

“I think this project will just be getting out of hand.

“The lots are going to be divided into small lots, and have a lot of people on it — I mean if they were going to have 30 or 40 people, that would be more reasonable. But that is a big project for 320 RVs, barbecues, campfires, dogs barking all day … that’s the biggest worry, and I don’t think I can change my mind.”

Economic benefits, environmental concerns

Germaine Montague, the president of the Dundas local service district, said the campground would be an economic driver for the area.

However, Montague said she understands the mixed reaction from the community, because “there are several concerns that need to be addressed.”

“If you’re going to be purchasing a million dollar piece of property and turning it into 320 lots and selling it to people, I think it would be a very basic concern to be dealt with,” said Montague, adding that issues are being addressed at the environment department level.

Montague has also written a letter to the developers, For You Realty, looking for more answers on the proposed campground.

For You Realty declined an interview with CBC until it receives more answers from the Department of Environment.

Condo Camping Limited will sell private lots to vacationers looking to park their RVs along a rolling hill in the country with a view of the river.